Geologic Wonders of the National Parks

The National Parks preserve spectacular icons of our nation’s
geologic heritage and contain some of the world’s finest examples of
geologic phenomena. From glaciers to barrier islands, from volcanoes to dinosaurs,
the parks have it all including arches, canyons, caves, mountains and sand
dunes.

Here, we present a list of some premier geologic sites in
the National Parks. These memorable sites are too big for any museum and
too beautiful to miss. We hope that you will be inspired to seek out a personal
geologic experience on your next visit to the world’s most magnificent
rock collection – your National Parks.

Click on specific locations on the map below, or use the
quick reference guide to the right. Make sure you also visit the geologic superlatives page to learn about some of
the record holding geologic features in National Parks that didn't make
the top 30.

Geologic Wonders of the National Parks

We consider this list to be a “work-in-Progress” and
fully intend to keep adding sites to the list. If you have suggestions for
this website please
let us know. We would love to hear about your favorite geologic
sites in the National Parks.

Less frequently considered, but equally important to park
ecosystems, are the commonplace geologic resources beneath our feet
and the geologic processes that alter them. To learn more about
how the National Park Service manages these resources, please explore
the rest of the Park Geology website.